Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Real-time Video Projection in an MRI for Characterization of Neural Correlates Associated with Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain
Published on: April 20, 2019
Clinical feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a novel mixed reality system to manage phantom pain: a pilot study
Thiru M Annaswamy1,2, Kanchan Bahirat3, Gargi Raval4
1Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA. tannaswamy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Background:
To assess the clinical feasibility of a virtual mirror therapy system in a pilot sample of patients with phantom pain.
Methods:
Our Mixed reality system for Managing Phantom Pain (Mr. MAPP) mirrors the preserved limb to visualize the amputated limb virtually and perform exercises. Seven patients with limb loss and phantom pain agreed to participate and received the system for 1-month home use. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and 1 month.
Results:
Four (of seven recruited) participants completed the study, which was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. At 1 month, in-game data showed a positive trend, but pain scores showed no clear trends. Functioning scores improved for 1 participant.
Conclusions:
Mr. MAPP is feasible and has the potential to improve pain and function in patients with phantom pain.
Trial Registration:
Clinical Trials Registration, NCT04529083.
